Bravo Canyon ~ America's Favorite Trail Horse

[dunbnwild]

Hi all-- as you know Bravo and I have been enjoying the varius ACTHA trail rides this past year and now they've got a new thing going- a competition to find America's Favorite Trail Horse! Well, naturally Bravo's got to enter- hello??? We hope you all enter as well- because I'd love to see a mustang or a Kiger win! Check out actha.us for info on the competition and please "like" Bravo's page on Facebook to keep up with our progress. Thanks!!

www.facebook.com/pages/Bravo-Canyon-Americas-Favorite-Trail-Horse/183326168352712?

[Michelle Clarke]

Cool...we'll all be supporting you and Bravo!

[DianneC]

So how does it work Cindy? Is it points or number of votes or what? Of course, he's perfect for the job!

[fantasykiger]

That is great you have my support

[Jackie]

Do we just click the like button?

[dunbnwild]

Yes- all you have to do is "Like" - it's not actually voting though- this is just to keep tabs on Bravo's progress and to be notified of when the actual voting will take place.

There are two phases of competition- the first is called an "Audition" and it will involve being tested on the ACTHA obstacles and other than that I'm not entirely sure- since it will be televised I imagine some other factors will be considered- human interest angles and on screen chemistry, etc... but that hasn't been discussed. They are trying to draw evenly for finalists amoung the entire nation and splitting the finalist "evenly" between riders aged over 45's and under 45's (which makes no sense to me- as 1. it's about the horse not the rider, and 2. 45 is an odd age to choose). I'm 39- so I'm at a disadvantage as I must compete with cute kids and teens, lol. Also I'm in the same region as Texas where there are tons of ACTHA riders and many with horses that compete in the public eye regularly.

That said- I still think Bravo has a great chance at making it to round 2 as he's got it the package deal- he can do the obstacles, he's got personality, the camera loves him, and I think we have a pretty good story- seeing as how just a year ago I was scared to canter and between Bravo and ACTHA- I've gained the confidence and partnership to try just about anything.

So anyway- Round 2 is the finalist round- 100 finalists will get to go to Austin, TX (Michelle- if we make it, I hope to swing through and visit!!) where they will have a variety of clinics and practice sessions that will be filmed as well as a competition. From those days 10 television shows will be cut and when they air, America will vote on their favorites. I'm not 100% sure of what will determine the actual winners. If it is only the vote or if other factors will be included.

A couple of the horses already have a huge following in their regular careers- so that's why I wanted to start early with Bravo's fan page so I'd be able to get the word out about voting when that takes place later this Spring/Summer.

I'm excited- it sounds fun and since it is too $$$ and too much driving for me to continue to go for the glory in ACTHA's regular season rides, I needed something to work towards!

Later this month Bravo and I are doing an eventing clinic and hope to have some pictures of that and as soon as there's an extreme cowboy race in North Texas or close by, we will be giving that a try. I just love trying new things with Bravo, we have so much fun!!

[fantasykiger]

it sounds like so much fun in the proccess to your goal. I so agree you both have a great story to tell and look good hitting the trails.

[staceyinoregon]

Cindy you two are amazing! Let us know if there is anything else we can do.

[lindad]

This is very cool! You and Bravo have got a great partnership. It will be fun to see where this takes you.

[stlkigers]

I AM SO PSYCHED FOR YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!!! Who could resist the little stud puppy? He's gonna be famous!!!!!!!!

[DianneC]

Be sure Bravo gives you a hug on camera! It will be fun to watch you two with your new adventure.

[Michelle Clarke]

I am so excited for you! Yes, you'll have to come for a visit and I'll have to come out ---- we'll get you a big cheering section here!

[dunbnwild]

Angela- I'm thinking a "Team Stud Puppy" t-shirt might be in order, ha ha. His other nick-name was given to him by one of our ACTHA riding buddys- he calls Bravo "Braveheart" and I think it fits him perfectly!!

Bravo is such a great horse- it's funny- when I first show up people stop and stare, then they get a little nervous when they learn he's a stud... then they stare some more because he's not hollering and fussing and acting all crazy. Then, because I'm usually showing up to these rides alone, I end up hooking up with some other loner to ride with- and within about 20 minutes- that person usually starts smiling and says something like, "My horse never acts this good!" And then maybe something like "No, seriously- people won't ride with me because my horse acts up so much- but my horse really is doing great!!"

It's happened now about 5 times. And what's funny is even though these horses really bond with Bravo on the ride, they don't act buddy sour when we have to split up to perform the obstacle.

It's really cool the confident energy he puts off- and it's not like he does anything- he's just him.

Another little story-- about a month ago I took him out for a neighborhood ride and it had been a couple weeks since I'd ridden and much longer since we set off down the road at home. He was just a tiny bit different- more alert and a little less enthusiastic about setting out down the road. He didn't put up a fuss or anything, but I could feel his energy was to stay at home. I thought it was odd, but chalked it up to the time off. We had a nice ride- I never felt at all out of control, but felt like he was eager to get home so I didn't do my usual canter back up the road. Found out later that there had been 3 small earthquakes in the area that day. I couldn't believe how well controlled he was considering this! I mean seriously 3 earthquakes and he still trusted me and went for a ride? Amazing.

He's such a cool guy! Can't wait for more people to get to see what Kigers are all about!! <3 <3 <3